An old friend shared a quote recently that was thought provoking for me.
Philosophy gives us questions we can't answer.
Religion gives us answers we can't question.
This friend was a member of the church and left it many years ago for an alternative lifestyle. He left his wife and kids and now lives with his "husband." He is bitter about religion, which prompted the quote.
I kind of like it. Yes, Philosophy gives us thought provoking questions that prompt spirited debate and new ideas. I love philosophy. But the second half of the quote is a lie. Religion does provide answers, but that doesn't mean we can't question them. Or shouldn't.
Isn't it our responsibility to question the answers? Aren't we told to search, ponder and pray, to find out for ourselves? There are absolute truths that I believe in that I don't question, but only because I asked to find those truths out for myself. I think that every religious person should question the "answers" that are provided to them. If we ask with a sincere heart with real intent, we'll find out that those answers really are what they say they are. Then we won't have to question them anymore.
To me, that's more fulfilling than a good philosophical debate.
2 comments:
I totally agree
I personally think the quote is faulty in its logic on both counts. I also think that some people will hang their hat on a crafty quote, or out-of-context scripture, or other single social premise to the exclusion of all others, in order to somehow justify their thoughts, actions, and behavior. We all still have choice in matters central to our salvation.
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